How to "Fix" Today's Schools

The newest buzz topic in the media revolves around public education in this country. Between Oprah, The View, a weekly special this week on NBC Nightly News...you can't turn on your TV without hearing how terrible the public schools are along with a call to action to take a stand and demand better.

I have been trying to stay off my soap box about this, but I can't any longer. I have been a public school teacher for the past eight years, and I attended public schools from 2nd grade to high school, as well as attending a public university for both my undergrad and two graduate degrees. My mom, two grandparents, great aunt and uncle as well as Jon's mom, aunt, and both grandfathers were also teachers or principals. I feel like I am pretty knowledgeable about the subject and have, in fact, grown up listening about the topic of public education.

Are there "bad" schools? I think there are schools with bad teachers (in the best and worst neighborhoods), but this doesn't make the entire school bad. (And I'd like to point out each profession has "bad" examples-lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, etc). There are schools that struggle to meet NCLB requirements each year, but I also don't think the performance on this one test makes a school bad. It's not as simple as that. The media would have you believe that by tying test scores to teacher's evaluations, the entire system would improve. This is a fallacy.

The fact remains that students come into the classroom each day with different advantages and disadvantages. I taught for six years in an "excelling" school district based on NCLB scores. The students in my classroom had parents that were actively involved, private tutors were hired if necessary, they were exposed to the latest technology at home, and were given lots of opportunities to explore their world through traveling and extra curricular activities. In contrast, students in my current school, and the district my Mom taught in for 35 years, come to school and eat breakfast because their parents don't have the money to provide one at home. The usually come home at the end of the day to an empty house because their parents are working multiple jobs, or some might be in jail and are out of the picture. These students often times don't receive motivation from home to do their homework, no one is there to help them study, and the idea of going to college is totally out of the question because no one in their family has ever achieved this goal.

Are the vast majority of teachers in these two schools working their tails off to provide meaningful opportunities and lessons for their students? ABSOLUTELY. But are the teachers working with the same type of student? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It is not the children's fault that they are growing up in different environments, and it is not the teacher's fault that these students are coming to school with entirely different sets of readiness and/or preparedness. The blame for how these students perform on test scores can not rely entirely on the teacher each year.

So you may be thinking...then how do (some) charter schools in low income areas do it? How do they have 100% acceptance rates into college and high test scores? In my opinion the difference is parental involvement and student selectivity.

Parents in charter schools elect to have their child attend that school, thus they are already showing they are actively involved and motivated to do something about their child's education. Parents involvement is a huge factor in student success, but as a country we want to overlook this fact. It's easier to blame the teachers than say to parents, "If you want your child to succeed, you also have to play a part in the process."

Many times charter schools are able to select which students they accept into their school, and if a student isn't "cutting it," these students can just as easily be removed. A public school has the responsibility to educate EVERYONE. As long as you live in the school's boundaries, you WILL NOT be turned away. Charter schools do not live by this same code.

Are there things we can do better in American public education? Absolutely! Are struggling schools all the fault of teachers and/or teacher's unions? NO!

I wish the media would present a more balanced view of the school situation in America. There is rarely only one reason a problem is occurring, and until some respected individuals stand up and say, "Look, it can't just be that public school teachers stink. There's got to be more to this story" the myth about the terrible public schools in American will continue to be broadcast.

In the meantime, I'll continue to educate. I'll work my behind off providing meaningful, engaging lessons to students, and I'll continue to inform adults about the misconceptions that are out there regarding America's public schools and the teachers inside of them.

Spring Fling? Spring Cleaning? What to call this entry!

Spring is almost here. In Seattle that means cherry blossoms are blooming, temperatures are creeping up into the 60s, and the sun is out more. All of which are very good things.

The onset of this spring also means that Jon and I have a huge decision to make: whether or not to stay in Seattle for another three years or move back to Phoenix this summer. Neither of us feel like we could ever call Seattle home long term, but moving back to Phoenix this year means I could keep my senority in Scottsdale, we wouldn't have to deal with our house being occupied by renters as we are 1,500 miles away, and being closer to family and many friends. Unfortunately the job market is as bleak for Jon in Phoenix as we left it. Moving to Phoenix without a job for Jon would probably not be the best situation.

Speaking of jobs...I recently found out my contract was not renewed for next year. Being a first year teacher in Seattle equals zero senority, although the district encouraged me to apply for new positions as they are posted this summer. How sweet of them! My principal didn't even know this occurred until I went to talk to her as "this was the first time in my five years with the district that a person I recommended for rehire wasn't rehired."

This news came on the heels of me beginning my final course for WA endorsement to teach in the library. As many of you recall, even though I have this endorsement in AZ, the state of WA has chosen not to recognize it. Since last March I have been taking courses to be certified here. My final course, which I began a few weeks ago, is similar to student teaching. I have to create an extensive portfolio, get a "mentor teacher," and have someone from SPU come in to observe me teach two different times. Ugh. It's not that I can't do it, it's mainly I don't want to. With so much up in the air it can be difficult to be motivated to say the least. But I'm trying! :)

It has been a challenging few months for us in regards to my/our fertility. There have been a few let downs since the beginning of 2010, and unfortunately my doctor's appointment last Saturday was filled with more of the same. Ugh. I told Jon earlier this week that the first 18 months of this journey were so much easier than the past six. I think there are multiple reasons for this which I can readily identify. I told Jon that not a day goes by that I don't think about "it." He was a bit concerned over this revelation because I tend to get down in the dumps when I dwell on sad things (funny, huh?). But I was quick to reply that I actually have been praying more these past six months than my entire life. This is definitely a GOOD THING! I mean I know that God uses the bad and He alone can make it into good, but it is nice that I can see this happening. Please continue to pray that this would be the case, and I wouldn't be afraid to go to God with all my burdens as He is more than capable of carrying them for me. Also, we have a follow up appointment with my doctor on April 2nd. If you could please pray for that meeting (we will be deciding where to go from here) I would greatly appreciate it.

I have been slowly learning to play the guitar lately, too. I have started with a few praise songs, know a handful of chords, and am having a fun time doing it. My fingers are getting calloused, which Jon assures me won't last forever. This is a good thing.

Ok, this post served as a good diversion from doing the aforementioned course work. Thanks for letting me "waste" some time.

Fall is here!

I have never really experienced a fall before where things actually happen. The leaves are changing colors in Seattle and it really can be beautiful. Right around our house there are some brilliant red and pink trees, my personal favorites. But a lot continues to change personally as well.

October 3rd we moved from Bellevue to Mercer Island so I could be closer to work. That's right...I live on an island. I never thought I'd actually say that. It is actually nestled between Seattle and Bellevue, and a major freeway goes through the north end of it. Driving on the I-90 you might never know you were on an island, but it's true! So far we really like it. For one, our place faces west which is vital in Seattle. It is also a bit bigger and fits our stuff much better. It also is soooo much closer to work for both of us. Jon is about 10 minutes, and I'm only 20 minutes away. That is a huge improvement from before. Even though it was a pain in the patootee to move again after only 6 months, I really think it will be worth it in the long run.

Things at work are good overall, but definitely very different. Since I am only there part time I am finding it is challenging for there to be any consistency. Teachers, and students, walk off with books, and subsequently the card catalog is NEVER accurate. No wonder over 10% of books are marked as lost at Gatewood. I also have no assistant, so all of the wonderful things I was spoiled with at Copper Ridge (books being checked in, overdue reports ran, processing and cataloging completed of new arrivals, book repair, delivering of library baskets back to classes, checkout to classes, etc) are all done by moi. This in addition to helping staff locate materials on a moments notice, checking out books during my prep time, maintaining the library, and planning/creating lessons. I usually leave exhausted and feeling like there is so much more to still do. What else is new, right? :)

As a new employee I also have the challenge of being accepted and finding my niche. At Copper Ridge I felt like people respected my thoughts because I was a known entity. I had built up trust and rapport over the years so I could be counted on for sound ideas. Here I am having to reinvent myself with EVERYONE. Since I am only part time this is a slow process. Teachers at Gatewood tend to be very friendly, but most eat in their rooms with their teammate, so making connections with staff has also been hard. I crave social interactions with adults after being around little guys all day, and unfortunately that happens none too often.

I am slowly trying to make new friends outside of work as well. We attend three different Bible studies, and I am starting to develop a few relationships that go past the acquaintance level. However, being gone most nights of the week is exhausting so we are considering cutting back on at least one of these commitments.

I finished my UP teaching last week and felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I did not enjoy the experience at all, and needless to say I don't think I will continue to instruct another course anytime soon. Wayyy too many hours invested for too little payoff. At one point Jon said to me he thought I cared more about the students passing than they did. Unfortunately for many I think that might have been the case.

I think that's it for now. Hopefully I'll be better about posting now that I have a bit more free time.

Much to report

I've been so busy since my last post I haven't had any time to share everything that is going on. To start with, I got a job as a part time librarian at a K-5 school in West Seattle. The situation is pretty much the opposite of Copper Ridge from the size of the school, the demographics, the library itself, and the building. This school is over 100 years old, and it looks like something out of the movies. It is a large 3 story brick building, and the library takes up a good portion of one side of the 2nd story. I was happy when I walked in and saw there were huge windows because I think I will love that extra light come winter time.

I don't have a full time assistant, so I have been heavily recruiting parent volunteers since I arrived to assist with check-in and check-out of books, running overdue reports, processing of new materials, and copying/laminating materials. I'll find out next week if I have some assistance with all of these things in addition to teaching about 15-17 classes each week.

The downside of my new position is the school is located 19 miles away from our current condo. Luckily it has taken me only 30 minutes each way, but it is enough of a commute that Jon and I have decided to move to Mercer Island to be closer to both of our jobs. This will cut my commute almost in half, and Jon's will be down to 10 minutes. So after six months of being in Bellevue the boxes have reemerged once again.

While not getting my new classroom ready I have been busy (too busy) teaching for the University of Phoenix. I thought this would be a great way to earn some extra money, especially if I didn't find a teaching job, but I am here to testify it is not worth it. I spend usually 20 hours a week proctoring two classes so it is truly like a part time job (without part time job money). The majority of the students don't seem to take the feedback I give them so they repeat the same errors assignment after assignment and proceed to get mad at me when their grade doesn't improve. I refuse to just hand out a passing grade, and subsequently I am not the most liked instructor most of these adult learners have encountered. Luckily I only have FIVE weeks left, and believe me when I say I am counting down the days. I am not planning on continuing this after I have finished.

This past month I have enjoyed my reprieve of library classes for WA certification. I start again in about 10 days, and between teaching for both my new school and UP and packing up our lives again I know I will be very busy. Your prayers for my sanity (and Jon's) would be appreciated!

We ended up not going to Portland over Labor Day because, as luck would have it, it rained the entire 3 day weekend. I realize that is probably "normal" in the Pacific Northwest, but the sad part was it has been completely bright and sunny for the weeks leading up to (and after) Labor Day. Everyone keeps warning me, however, that this might be the last weekend before the sun disappears, and I should get out of the house this weekend. I don't know if they are exaggerating or trying to prepare me for a looonnnggggg fall and winter without seeing the sun I got accustomed to in Arizona.

Here's hoping for a sunny (no pun intended) outcome!

Already mid August!

The title of my post pretty much says it all. I can't believe it is August 18th. At the end of July my parents came out to visit and it was a really wonderful time. We didn't necessarily do much, but it was great having family around to talk with and hang out with during the day. It's nice that they now have a picture in their heads of where we are living and where things are when I talk about them. They also brought us 2 fans to ward off the plus 100F heat we had been having in Seattle.

I spent the last few weeks finishing up 8 hours of library science classes in conjunction with Highline/SPU. I don't start my next round until September 21st so I have a little time off. In fact, it is just enough time to begin my University of Phoenix classes. I began my mentorship last week and started officially teaching yesterday. I am instructing 2 courses on critical thinking simultaneously. There is a lot of initial prep work for each class as I have to post all of the materials, welcome each student individually to class, and respond to each student's welcome as well as individual bio. As the weeks progress the most time will be spent grading. Although I am use to grading papers, the university is very specific about how quickly I need to give feedback and what the feedback looks like. Until I get use to their format of grading (as opposed to the one I have used for the past 6 years...my own) it will take me awhile to get into the swing of things.

To celebrate our 4th anniversary Jon and I took a trip to Oracs Island, part of the San Juan Island chain north and west of Seattle (about halfway to Victoria, Canada). We stayed for two nights at a fun bed and breakfast located on an otter's pond.

The food was great. We were served 5 course breakfasts every morning of sorbet, fresh fruit, some type of hot dish (oatmeal, french toast, or eggs), and scones. It was a great way to start the day.

We drove up Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans and located on Orcas Island, and hiked around Mountain Lake down to Cascasde Falls. It was a great 4 mile trek, and we sure worked up an appetite by the end. Lunch and dinner were spent walking through the biggest town on the island, Eastsound. All in all it was a relaxing weekend. The only bummer part was the traffic. Getting up to Anacortes, where we caught the ferry, took 3 hours instead of the usual 90 minutes because of a traffic accident. Coming home we lined up to get on the ferry nearly 3 hours before it left. We both wished there were easier ways to get to the San Juans.

Below: Us at Mountain Lake

We are planning on taking a short trip to the Portland area if the weather stays clear for Labor Day weekend. Jon has never been, so we plan on exploring the downtown area, hopefully still seeming some roses in the Rose Garden, getting to Multnomah Falls for some hiking, and ending at Mt St Helens. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather because if it does get overcast we have decided to stay in Seattle for the long weekend instead. It will be interesting to see how I can balance taking a little vacation while also monitoring a very lively UP class environment, too.

Bottom picture: From the top of Mt. Constitution on a very cloudy day.

Top picture: Jon at Cascade Falls

A New Week

I normally measure my summer vacation by the number of weeks left until heading back to school.  This year is different because I don't know if I will be heading back to a regular job come August/September.  

It looks like I will have a job with the University of Phoenix facilitating associate students in a critical thinking class online.    However, the school districts are not posting their openings yet, and those that have are limiting positions to "internal applicants only" because of the RIFing that has occurred.  Between teaching online and taking library courses for certification in WA I'm not sure if I'll have time to do a full time position, but I ideally I think I would like to go to work  part time in order to keep my experience up in the schools and meet people in Seattle.

Jon and I both attended separate women/men's Bible studies, and we are hoping that will help us meet people in our new church.  My study went very well and we are reading a book and praying for each other after each session.  It is small (about 5 women), but I hope that helps to foster more meaningful relationships.    We also are looking to attend a young couples small group, so hopefully we can continue to get plugged in. 

The weather has been really great here and sunnier than normal June months, and for this I am thankful.  It is in the 80s and sunny most days, so I have been walking around our neighborhood for exercise during the day.  Bellevue has many parks all over since most people's homes do not have large backyards.  We have about 5 different trails within a 10 minute walk of our house, so those are fun to explore.  It is amazing how quickly you enter a forest of green with babbling brooks; you feel miles away from civilization. 

Troy is planning on visiting after his Beyond Mailbu trip in at the beginning of July, and my parents will be here the end of July.  I am looking forward to seeing family, and being apart from them will no doubt make our time together more meaningful and memorable for me.  

I hope everyone is having a great June so far!  I'll keep you posted as thing develop..or stay the same! :)

Reflecting...again

Last Tuesday people at work were finally told that I was leaving for good.  I woke up ecstatic because the secret would finally be out.  My principal waited until the very end of the meeting to make the announcement, and I could feel myself getting nervous as the time approached.  People were, as to be expected, shocked to hear I was going.  And even though I had been waiting for this day for months it was very difficult for me.  I reminded me that saying goodbye is not going to be easy.  This is where I started my career, and I have lots of good memories with so many people at Copper Ridge.

Today I officially notified HR I was leaving, too.  I had the letter drafted on Monday and sitting minimized on my desktop for days.  I knew it had to be done, but that too would mean the official termination of my connection with SUSD.  Woah.  I remember thinking about what it would be like to work in Scottsdale and be able to give back to the district I grew up in when I was in school.  I remember looking at the Copper Ridge website from my dorm room and telling me roommate I'd like to work there because it would be neat to help establish traditions at a new school.  Suffice to say leaving my job has a lot tacked onto it. 

Last August I opened a letter I had written to myself five years earlier.  It was shocking how much of my current life was so similar to what I had wanted (married, living in a patio home in Scottsdale, teaching and considering going into the library).   I know....scary.   It got me thinking though that maybe I am taking too much control of my life and not trusting in God enough to lead me in new directions (or I am a prophet, which probably isn't the case).   To have so many of the things happen in exactly the way I wanted was definitely neat, but it has always left me thinking.  

Moving is kinda like that.  I would never have pictured myself in Seattle, but I know deep down it will push me to trust in God in new ways, and I will grow a lot from this process.  Growing is never easy.  I was reading a book today to the kindergartners about a kinder student (who lived on Mars :) ) nervous about going to 1st grade.  I asked the students who was nervous about 1st grade, and over a majority admitted to being a "little scared."  I of course told them that anything new is scary, but I knew they would do great.  Trigger the huge music cue.  I SHOULD TAKE MY OWN ADVICE.  Granted, moving 1,000 miles from home and away from family and friends and without a job is scarier than changing grades, but there is some similarity in the situations.   

This post is starting to mirror the teeter totter that is my life lately (up and down, up and down), so I think I'll end it on the up note.  

The nitty gritty

I just returned this afternoon from another trip up to the Pacific Northwest.  This was a short one (less than 72 hours), and I am still getting used to the fact the overcast weather.  We awoke Saturday morning to snow.  Our condo is on a hill called Cougar Mountain, and apparently that little elevation change greatly changes the type of precipitation you receive.  Brrrr!!!!

We did find a renter, and she moved in last week.  This has been a great relief for EVERYONE; my parents don't have to keep running down there to show it when I'm out of town (because most calls come on the weekend) and we can have some income coming in for the place.   The lady renting seems nice, and she has two children.  I got the chance to pray with her after we met for the first time and gave her the keys.  She is going through a lot in her life right now, too, and I was encouraged by our first meeting.  

Today I start my first library class, so I will be doing homework for the next two months (make that years-this is the first of many).  Actually, just writing that makes me feel really depressed.  Our first assignment is a book talk (we actually have to do a total of eight of them).  I do these EVERY DAY.  Ughh!  When will people understand that I already HAVE this job in AZ and KNOW HOW TO DO IT.  Just because I am wanting this job in a new state doesn't mean I become stupid and forget how!!!     This is so frustrating.   Jon is trying to help me see the positive.  By doing these classes I will max out the horizontal movement payscale for teachers, but that gives me little consulation right now.  I also know some of these classes might help me improve my professional knowledge base, but unless I have a media specialist job in Seattle my motivation is very little and extremely low.  

We booked Jon's final flight down to Phoenix to pick me up before driving up to Seattle Memorial Day weekend.   It seemed so final.  I mean I know this decision was made in December (the 14th to be exact), but just the thought of driving away from my parent's driveway and by our (old) subdivision for the last time for months on end gets me teary eyed.   

My coping mechanism for much of this is to push these types of thoughts into the back of my head.    I have become very good at this.  I do this whenever I leave the airport in Seattle and see Jon drive away, or when my parents drop me off at the airport in Phoenix and I fly away from home.  I do this when I think about the economy and what it has done to the price of our house in Scottsdale or the realistic chances of me finding a library job.  

I struggle with the fact that I have the opportunity and need to be a Light to believers, and more importantly, unbelievers around me watching me go through this transition.  I feel like I am struggling and failing with this lately as I let worry and doubt constantly creep in.  Marie is so wise and told me that God has not forgotten what to do with me (or our situation) during this move.  God has planned everything out.  This plan just feels so hard and confusing.   Oh Lord, give me faith! 

Venting

Somehow it seems like I'm in the wrong profession.  Forget the lack of money, parents who think they know how to teach just because they have been in a school before, or the NCLB rigamaroll.  I am sick of tired of teaching standards and certification that is not consistent between states.

In the state of AZ I am certified to teach the K-8 Elementary Education, K-12 Library, K-12 Gifted, K-12 ESL, and 7-8th grade language arts and social studies.  These endorsements are based off of tests I have passed as well as countless hours of education I have taken (at current count I have a bachelor's in education, two master's degrees, and a few other classes thrown in for good measure).    In total I have 90 hours above my bacherlor's degree, thousands of dollars spent and hours wasted.  That's right...according to the state of WA my degrees are meaningless and worthless.  They only want to give me credit for my bachelor's degree.  

I didn't realize that once I cross state lines my brain is erased and I can't remember how to be a teacher in subjects I have taught.  Perhaps if I had won awards in teaching they would think I was more competent in these subjects? 

 Oh wait, I have won TWO different awards for my teaching ability (Middle Level Educator of the Year and Scottsdale Charros Teacher Award).  

Maybe it was that my test scores weren't high.  Oh, that's right.  On the AIMS test my kiddos were the only ones in the state who all passed the AIMS 6th grade writing test and my scores were always amongst the top in the state in reading as well.   

Well, what could the possible reason be?  Is it that every state wants me to give them more money by pouring cash into their educational system to take classes I have already passed and tests I have already taken to prove-once again-that I am a competent individual?  No, that couldn't be it because we all know that just because you can pass a test doesn't mean you are a good teacher.   There has to be a better reason.  

I probably won't be able to figure it out because I must only understand how kid's (and lawmakers) brains work in AZ.  

Feeling safe with the WWW

No, WWW does not stand for the World Wrestling Confederation, and I am NOT feeling intimidated by fake professional wrestlers.  I have decided to limit the readers of my blog to those I give permission to.  It's not that I think I have an audience that is so large that way too many people are viewing this little glimpse into my world.  It's just that being a teacher and so "out there" in the world wide web makes me feel I need a bit more anonymity.

I will be sending invites out shortly to those whom I think read my blog or might like to read my blog.  If you don't receive an invite and would like to be invited, just e-mail me and let me know.

So, happy reading!  

A new day

Reading one of my last posts about my new position I forgot how hard that first week in this new job was.  God definitely answered my prayers because life as the media specialist has gotten much better since then.  I am adjusting to my new position and finding out how to switch "hats"-from kindergartners who are 4-5 years old up to eighth graders (13-14 years) in the next moment. I am also learning the new curriculum and crafting lessons that correspond in (hopefully!) meaningful and fun ways for the kids each day.

Overall I really am enjoying it.  The kids are fun, and I've even gotten a few hugs from kids when they leave.  (Middle schoolers never did that!).  I also like being able to share literature and "acting out" the roles of the characters.  This was one of my favorite parts of teaching younger kids, and I've missed

 it in middle school the past five years.   I have also found a great group of ladies who are "teamless" as well because they teach a "special" or a mismatch of subjects.  Overall I am really happy with my new job and love the challenge of something different.  

Labor Day was a great, restful weekend.  We went up to Payson and saw some amazing rainbows after one of several downpours.  It was one of the brightest rainbows I had ever seen, and we could see the whole thing stretched across the sky.  Then, out of nowhere, another rainbow faintly began to appear as well.   It was gorgeous!

This past weekend we got together to celebrate Dad and Troy's birthday as well.  Of 

course Garrison was the center of attention, and here are a few cute pictures of the family, too.   The one with Garrison holding the can of beer was particularly funny.  He pretended to drink it and gave us this grimace when we tried to take it away from him.  

Jon and I went to a DBacks game against the Marlins a few weeks ago, 

and I thought I'd post a fun pick of that, too.  We totally pigged out and bought SO MUCH food-two dogs, nachos, soda, beer, and peanuts.  We sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," did the wave, and cheered on the Dbacks, especially after their one and only home run which opened the game.  Unfortunately they lost, but it was a great time.  

The Little Engine That Could..and Will

I officially started my new job last Thursday, but unofficially I have been preparing for it since I was hired in mid June. This includes everything from cleaning out my "old" classroom, researching library lessons, relearning children's literature (as opposed to young adult), and attending a six hour district librarian kick off.

When I returned to school last Thursday I was really pumped about my new position. I was excited to be doing something different, I love literature and sharing it with kids, the aid in the library and I seem to have a common work philosophy, and I was able to try out some of my administrative skills I learned in my first master's degree.

Then everything hit the fan on Monday. I finally had an inkling of realization how much I don't know-and that was scary. For instance, the librarians use a totally different program for their website-which I wasn't trained on. The librarians are given a different level of access than teachers to a program I used before to take attendance. And believe me, there is no similarity between the teachers' screen and the one I'm seeing now. Oh, and I wasn't trained on it. I have to learn how to accept a shipped order and manage requisitions as well as how to place a new book order into yet another district software program. Do you think I was trained on that? Do I need to answer that question? Then I had about 10 different pieces of mail that were addressed to the former librarian I needed to act on, but I didn't know how to even begin because I had no knowledge of what had occurred before I stepped into his position. So I had a bit of information overload.

Then came the kids. The good news is I totally over planned because I forgot how much longer it takes younger kids to complete a task than the older ones, but I also forgot how much they can't do. The kindergardeners have SO MUCH energy I wish I could bottle it up to power my house. Plus I don't know any of their names and after such a short time I hardly had a chance to learn any of them, so discipline, communication, and general calling on someone is tricky.

Luckily the former librarian and aforementioned library aid have been fabulous and answered my questions pretty quickly or directed me in the right direction if they didn't know an answer. I also need to remember the first week of school, in general, is super busy and all about readjusting yourself. Monday was a pretty hard day, and when I got home I just lost it (in combination with some other life things it was just too much). It is days like that when I don't know how people who don't know Jesus make it. I definitely was broken that night, and it was only be concentrating on His love, grace, and mercy that I made it. Seriously.

The last difficult thing has been learning to be accepted by other teachers. I am quickly finding out when not a classroom teacher you don't have a "team" to call home. So far the lunchroom has been pretty clickish and I've found myself sitting alone, staring at my food while the other grade level eats. The hard part is they haven't invited me to join them, and maybe I should suck it up and just ask if I can, but I'm not that bold. I want to be wanted, if only it means sitting around a table with others and not talking. It still would feel like I was a part of something.

So, three days down and one hundred and seventy seven more to go. Maybe next week I need to read "The Little Engine That Could."

Time Flies

So much has already happened since summer "vacation" started. Okay, I'm being a bit unfair. Not working is definitely a vacation, but so much has been happening (as evidenced by my lack of posting!). I went to San Diego to take three kids to the national finals of a competition they entered. That was rewarding for me (and them) and fun.

Then I interviewed for and got the media specialist (library) job at my school. Yea! Now it is sinking in what a BIG job it is and how busy I'll be. I have been cleaning out my HOT (read: little air conditioning) classroom the past several days and having to get there at 6:30 to avoid the excessive heat that has been Arizona lately. I am already six hours invested and feel like I could spend hours more. Jon told me if we were moving our whole house it would take some time, too, but I don't want to spend weeks on this project. I have accumulated SO MUCH STUFF and have my mom's leftovers from when she taught.

I am such a packrat I can barely throw anything away in the off chance that I might actually use it one year. But come on, how likely is it that I will go to early childhood and need all that phonics stuff? Or use the stethoscope in the science unit? How about keeping two packages of rocks for when I teach geology? Curriculum from before I was born?

I know, I know. THROW IT AWAY!!!!

But I can't....yet. Sigh.

We leave for Wisconsin tomorrow and I am looking forward to time with family, cooler temps, and a relaxing vacation. I have been busy the last few weeks between packing and leaving for this trip to do much reading, so my total book number is going to fall drastically when compared to last year when I read a staggering number of books (around 30). So far I have read:

1. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
2. A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling
3. The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton (only could get through a third of this one!)
4. Indigo Waters by Lisa Samson
5. The Birthright by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn
6. The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

Before we go on the vacation to end all vacations I will only have a week and a half, so I doubt I'll get too far into my next list of books, but I hope to read

1. The First Princess of Wales
2. The Cross and the Switchblade

in addition to continuing to clean out my classroom and meet with the librarian aid and ex-librarian. It is definitely going to be a busy summer!

Finished!

I am so happy to be finished with round two of grad school. Tuesday night was the end of this long class which has consumed my Tuesday nights for the past sixteen weeks. The class was hard but I feel like I actually learned a lot about myself as a teacher and I think that will (obviously) help the kids I teach. Right now I want to stop taking classes for awhile. 90 hours of school since I graduated is A LOT and, now that I think about it, practically another undergrad degree.

We only have 12 and 2/3rds days left of school, too. It's hard to believe how quickly this year has gone by. I really have enjoyed the vast majority of my kids this year, and I really like teaching language arts, too. I have only one day off until I'll be off to San Diego with three of my students who made it to the Sally Ride Toy Challenge Finals. Then in a short eighteen days Jon and I will be in Milwaukee for his cousin's wedding. It will be great to see his family while we're there. Then, eleven days later is Europe! I just know things are going to fly by until then.

Extra time

For the first time since August I have a week of work with NO meetings. Both were cancelled at the last minute last week with too little time left for anyone to schedule a new thing for me to be at. That means I actually get time to do what I'm paid to do (grade papers, of course). And you thought it was teaching!

Plus only four days until spring break.

This is shaping up to be a good week. Still busy with work, but less busy nevertheless.

Lack of posting

I have been so busy I haven't even given posting a thought in the last few weeks. Work started back after break with a bang, and I was quickly immersed in school life again. Meetings, grading, teaching, oh my! How I need this three day weekend.

I started my last semester of grad school two weeks ago. This class is going to try to bring me down this semester. The first week alone I spent four hours on homework. It all culminates in a 15-20 page original research study. The research part doesn't actually sound that bad and might be interesting to learn more about what I see in my class daily and find out why it happens, it's just a matter of time getting it all done.

We got a Wii from Jon's mom for Christmas, and I actually injured my right arm playing Super Mario Galaxy. I tend to get pretty intense when I play, and I didn't realize how tightly I was holding onto the remote. Lo and behold, when I stopped playing my arm hurt, and I had to wear a brace on it on Monday to work. My kids actually thought it was pretty cool, and I think I earned some new respect from some of them. (Think: Woah, she plays video games. That's tight).

Jon and I were debating about breaking down and finally paying for cable. In the long run we are going to wait it out a bit longer and get a tuner so we can (hopefully) stop playing with our antenna every time we want to change stations.

Plus we'd rather spend money on more productive things...(right, Jon!).

No Meetings

This is the first time since I started school that I had no meetings before school, after school, or during lunch all week long! Nothing except teaching!? I had forgotten how it felt to have extra time.

Now I can:
1. Try to upgrade my dancing "skills" on DDR
2. Spend researching Christmas gifts for Jon
3. Decorate for the holidays

But don't feel too good for me just yet. Next week is a short week (only two days since we are talking off Wednesday to go to Milwaukee), and I have THREE meetings.

The following week I have five meetings.

Ok, so I am still busy. When is Christmas break?

Let us not forget

Maybe it's just because this has felt like the longest, busiest, and one of the most stressful weeks of my life, but I just got this forward and, perhaps because of my current mood, I wanted to post it. It reminded me of the big picture and as Christ's servant what the real goal is...to be an example to others and love them like Christ loves me.

Example #1
During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

Example #2
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in
front of him.

'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.

'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.

'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the
wai tress was growing impatient.

'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sun dae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.

Example #3
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospita l , I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he woul d
be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath an d saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will
save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Life and stuff

Things have been very busy since I started back at work. I am working a longer contracted day this year, so that means I have been arriving earlier and staying later than ever before. Subsequently my posts have become more infrequent.

Overall the year is going really well! I like my students and classes, and they always provide some sort of amusement during the day. Grad school has been thought provoking; I'm taking an lingustics class and it is very interesting.

Jon and I are doing really well. We started to attend a new church and so far we really feel the messages are strong, God centered, and thought provoking. We like the music-centered on God, not people,and we hope to start meeting some new couples our age. We started going to a new small group that just formed last Sunday, and hopefully that will lead to more interactions, although the age range of the group varies widely.

We have been trying to escape the Phoenix heat on the weekends by going up to Payson, and although that is sporadic at best it is so relaxing and calm while we are up there. For some reason when in town we always tend to get busy running errands and doing lots of "stuff."

A few weeks ago we saw "Becoming Jane," so if anyone is looking for a good chick flick I'd recommend it. Jon and I also got "Saint Ralph" on Netflix and it was actually pretty good minus a few questionable things in the beginning (we'll call it teenage angst). Much better than Sixteen Candles which we rented a few weeks earlier. Jon couldn't even finish it!

Although random, hopefully this serves somewhat as an update. Happy September!

I'm free!

I am officially done with school for this school year. Yea! This year had it's challenges, but like anything else I think I grew a lot and become a better teacher from it. I have actually been considering going into library, so I am going to begin studying for this in the upcoming weeks and see where that leads. Teaching definitely is great, but there are several hard things that not only our government but also plain ole' politics is doing to make teaching less and less fun.

This summer I am working on a district committee to help write next year's gifted curriculum. Also, I will be teaching at a summer camp all day for a week. I have absolutely no idea what the program is or the age group I will be working with (it seems kind of unorganized) but I hope it is fun and not stressful while working it.

Other than that, I plan on relaxing, reading (I've finished two books in the four days since school got out), and hanging out with family and friends. I'm looking forward to our preplanned vacation in July, too. I'm sure it will go by quickly, though. Only eight short weeks and back to the grind.